Support device for record elements

ABSTRACT

A support device for record elements is shown. The device includes a first support and a second support. The first support includes an elongated holding bar carrying sustaining members at opposite ends thereof. The first support also includes a laterally and outwardly projecting portion downwardly disposed from the holding bar and provided with a second channel open at the bottom thereof. A second support includes a substantially planar base element and an overlying upwardly disposed and outwardly extending portion which is slidably movable within the second channel and provided with a third elongated channel open at the top thereof. The base element is provided with a series of holes therewithin which are adapted to register with similar holes provided within a post binder. A post binder is also shown which includes a pair of covers each having a support portion and a pivotally connected flap portion. The binder also includes a channel connected to one of the support portions of the covers and carrying a compressor member thereupon. The channel and adjacent covers are provided with a plurality of spaced series of holes each series adapted to register with one of the holes within the base element of the second support.

United States Patent 11 1 Malcik et al.

14 1 Oct. 21, 1975 SUPPORT DEVICE FOR RECORD ELEMENTS [75] Inventors:Frank John Malcik, Benvyn;

Edward William Whittemore; John Patrick Clark, both of Elmhurst, all

[73] Assignee: Swingline Inc.

[22] Filed: Aug. 14, 1972 21 Appl. No: 280,116

Related US. Application Data [63] Continuation of Ser. No. 141,183, May7, 1971.

[52] US. Cl 312/183; 211/46 [51] Int. C1, A4713 63/00; B42F 15/00 [58]Field of Search 312/183, 184, 330; 211/94,

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,457,166 5/1923 Hayes211/124 X 1,867,158 7/1932 Kline 312/184 2,253,788 8/1941 Kern 211/46 X2,851,167 9/1958 Rosenberg 211/162 X 2,935,204 5/1960 Jonas et al. 211/46 3,281,193 10/1966 Murray 2211/46 3,298,374 1/1967 Grundell 312/1843,684,340 8/1972 Kirkorian..... 312/184 3,716,283 2/1973 Little 312/183FOREIGN PATENTS OR APPLlCATlONS 880,244 10/1961 United Kingdom 312/184Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Pennie & Edmonds [57] ABSTRACT A support devicefor record elements is shown. The device includes a first support and asecond support. The first support includes an elongated holding barcarrying sustaining members at opposite ends thereof. The first supportalso includes a laterally and outwardly projecting portion downwardlydisposed from the holding bar and provided with a second channel open atthe bottom thereof. A second support includes a substantially planarbase element and an overlying upwardly disposed and outwardly extendingportion which is slidably movable within the second channel and providedwith a third elongated channel open at the top thereof. The base elementis provided with a series of holes therewithin which are adapted toregister with similar holes provided within a post binder.

A post binder is also shown which includes a pair of covers each havinga support portion and a pivotally connected flap portion. The binderalso includes a channel connected to one of the support portions of thecovers and carrying a compressor member thereupon. The channel andadjacent covers are provided with a plurality of spaced series of holeseach series adapted to register with one of the holes within the baseelement of the second support.

2 Claims, 4 Drawing Figures U.S. Patent Oct.21,1975 Sheet10f2 3,913,995

FIG

FRANK J. MALCIK EDWARD W. WHITTEMORE JOHN P. CLARK INVENTORS.

BY I a- 54A ATTORNEY US. Patent Oct. 21, 1975 Sheet 2 0f 2 FIG.4

FRANK J. MALCIK EDWARD W. WHITTEMORE JOHN P. CLARK INVENTORS BY kwATTORNEY SUPPORT DEVICE FOR RECORD ELEMENTS This is a continuation ofapplication Ser. No. 141,183, filed May 7,1971.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to a support devicefor record elements and a post binder including the same. The devices ofthis invention are specifically useful in the filing of large amounts ofrecords such as those produced by computer print-out.

Generally computer print-out output is of large quantity and, afterbeing studied, must be filed. The output is generally placed in postbinders which then must be placed into some type of filing device.

Since the binders involved are heavy it is preferable to utilizesuspended filing techniques for this purpose. However, there has notbeen a convenient device heretofore made to do so.

The invention set forth in this specification shows such a device. Inaddition the invention provides a means of supporting the post binderswhich involves an optional slidable arrangement and a supportedarrangement.

The invention also includes a post binder embodying the device of thisinvention.

The above sets forth some of the principal objects and advantages ofthis invention. Other objects and advantages will become apparent to thereader of this specification as this description proceeds.

The invention may be briefly described as comprising, in combination, afile support structure which includes a first element and a secondelement, wherein the second element is slidably movable within the firstelement. The first element comprises an elongated inverted T-shapedmember provided with a channel at the base thereof and a pair of hookmembers at opposite ends of the vertical bar of the T. The secondelement comprises a T-shaped portion having a binder support member anda holding member.

The invention also includes a post binder having a pair of covers eachhaving a support portion and a pivotally connected flap portion, alongitudinally disposed elongated channel disposed upon at least one ofthe support portions of the covers and a compressor member carried bythe channel. The support portions of the covers and the channel areprovided with a plurality of series of aligned openings and the verticalbar of the T of the second element is also provided with a plurality ofspaced openings each of which is aligned with one of the series ofopenings in the covers and channel. A flexible post is disposed withineach series of openings with the end portion of the post adapted to beretained in bent-over relationship by the compressor. The remainder ofthe structure includes first and second elements as previouslydescribed.

The invention will now be further described by references to theaccompanying drawings which set forth the best mode known to theinventors of taking advantage of their invention.

FIG. I is an isometric view of a post binder supported in hangingrelationship by the support device of this invention and made inaccordance therewith.

FIG. 2 is a plan view of the post binder and support device as shown inFIG. 1 with the manner in which the sustaining members of the firstelement can be disposed upon the support members of a file device showndiagrammatically and with phantom lines.

FIG. 3 is a side elevational view of the first and second elements ofthe support device of this invention on an enlarged scale.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the support device of this inventionand the post binder utilized in connection therewith, also on anenlarged scale.

The invention will now be further described by references to thespecific form thereof as set forth in the accompanying drawings. In thisconnection, however, the reader is cautioned to note that such specificform of invention, representing the best mode known to the inventors oftaking advantages of the same, is for specific illustration and merelyfor purposes of example. Various changes and modifications couldobviously be made within the spirit and scope of this invention.

Now referring to the specific form of invention shown for a detaileddescription thereof a file support element 11 (which forms no part ofthis invention) is shown with a plurality of leg members 13 to which aresecured support rods 12 and 14. The device of this invention includes afirst support 15 which is formed substantially in the shape of aninverted T with the vertical bar 16 of the T provided with a pluralityof cut-out portions 17 at opposite ends thereof which constitutesustaining portions to hold this element in position upon rods 12. Bar16 is further provided with a longitudinal channel 22 therewithin and anoutwardly projecting elongated detent 23 is disposed on the bottom ofthe channel 22. The base of the T 18 is also provided with an elongatedchannel 24 therewithin which open at portion 38 at the bottom thereof.Adjacent each side of portion 38 is an upwardly extending hook portion25.

The second support 26 is formed in substantially T- shape with thevertical bar 20 of the T being substantially planar in cross-section andprovided with a plurality of spaced holes 21 therewithin. The horizontalbar of the T 39 is provided with a channel 27 therewithin which is openat the top at 40 and has an upwardly extending longitudinally disposeddetent 28 at the base thereof. Portion 39 is arcuate at its sides 41 andalso includes a pair of laterally disposed downwardly depending portions29 therewithin. Bar 20 also has a hook element 19 at opposite sidesthereof.

A post binder element 42 is optionally provided and includes a pair ofcovers 43 each having a flap portion 31 and a holding portion 32.Between covers 43 are disposed a plurality of sheets 30 each of whichbeing provided with a plurality of spaced holes 44 therewithin. Achannel 33 is disposed upon each of the holding portions 32 of covers 43and is secured thereto by rivets or other fastening members (not shown)..Within at least one of the channels 33 is disposed a compressor 45. Thechannels and holding portions of the covers are provided with aplurality of series of aligned holes therewithin and each of the holesin the sheets and in the Bar 20 of the T are aligned with correspondingholes in the portions 32 of covers 43 and in the channels 33. A flexiblepost 35 is disposed within a series of aligned holes with the top end 36of the post retained by the compressor in bent-over relationship. Thebottom end of the post may also be retained in bentover relationship bya similar compressor within the other channel or can simply include ahead 36.

The channels 22 and 27 are adapted to support indicia elementstherewithin which can be slidably retained within the channels. Theseindicia elements will be held in projecting relationship within thechannels by selective impingement with the detents 23 and 28.

With the foregoing specific description the operation of this inventioncan now be explained.

A post binder containing the records to be stored is obtained and thesecond support 26 is secured to the post binder as shown in FIG. 4. Thisis done by means of the post or posts 35 of the binder passing throughthe holes 21 provided within member 20. This structure can be supportedupon rods 12 by merely turning the assembly in a slightly diagonalmanner and placing one hook 19 on rod 12. The assembly can then be movedinto right-angled relationship with rods 12 to secure the device intoposition.

However if slidable securement is desired then the first element istaken and turned slightly diagonally (as shown in FIG. 2) and thensecured in position. The second element is then slidably retained withinthe first element and the binder can be slid laterally to remove it fromits secured position.

indicia showing the type of documents included within the post bindersupported by the device of this invention can be displayed in the firstelement or in the second element. A slidable rectangular element ofsubstantially the same width as channel 22 can be imprinted with indiciaand slid into this channel. A cover sheet of transparent material of thesame size can also be disposed upon the rectangular element forprotection purposes. Both elements are preferably flexible and areretained in arcuate relationship by the detent 23.

Similar display of indicia within channel 27 can be made and detent 28acts similarly to detent 23.

For simple fabrication of members 15 and 26 it is possible to mold themout of a thermopolastic or thermosetting material such as polypropylene,polystyrene, bakelite and the like.

The foregoing sets forth the manner in which the objects of thisinvention are achieved.

We claim:

1. A device for removably supporting bound record elements on a pair ofspaced apart parallel rod elements of a filing structure which rodelements are positioned in a substantially horizontal plane comprising:

a. a first elongated support member adapted to be mounted on theelements with one end supported by one rod element and the other endsupported by another rod element, said first support member including arecess in each end, each recess extending longitudinally inward of saidmember parallel to the longitudinal axis of said member to a point suchthat the distance separating the innermost end surfaces of said recessesis approximately equal to the distance separating said rod elements andsaid first support member is capable of being mounted on said rodelements by positioning the member substantially in the plane of the rodelements at an angle relative to said rods with the recesses adjacentthe rod elements and by turning the member in said plane to a positionin said plane perpendicular to said rod elements and which first supportmember includes an elongated open-ended channel positioned below the rodelements; and

b. a second elongated support member supporting the bound recordelements and removably supported by said first support member, saidsecond support member capable of being slidably placed in and removedfrom the elongated channel of the first support member while the firstmember is supported by the spaced apart parallel rod elements, saidsecond elongated support element includes a recess in each end, each ofsaid last mentioned recesses extending generally longitudinally inwardlytoward the second support member, said last mentioned recesses beingadapted to receive the rod elements whereby said second support elementcan be mounted on the rod elements in a direction extendingperpendicularly thereto independently of said first support member.

2. A device for removably supporting bound record elements on a pair ofspaced apart parallel rod elements of a filing structure which rodelements are positioned in a substantially horizontal plane comprising:

a. a first elongated support member adapted to be mounted on theelements with one end supported by one rod element and the other endsupported by another rod element, said first support member including arecess in each end, each recess extending longitudinally inward of saidmember parallel to the longitudinal axis of said member to a point suchthat the distance separating the innermost end surfaces of said recessesis approximately equal to the distance separating said rod elements andsaid first support member is capable of being mounted on said rodelements by positioning the member substantially in the plane of the rodelements at an angle relative to said rods with the recesses adjacentthe rod elements and by turning the member in said plane to a positionin said plane perpendicular to said rod elements and which first supportmember includes an elongated open-ended channel positioned below the rodelements; and

b. a second elongated support member supporting the bound recordelements and removably supported by said first support member, saidsecond support member capable of being slidably placed in and removedfrom the elongated channel of the first support member while the firstmember is supported by the spaced apart parallel rod elements;

c. the first support member includes a generally T- shapedcross-sectional configuration defining a stem and a cross-piececonnected in substantially perpendicular relationship to the stem, saidcrosspiece having:

I. a base; and

2. a pair of flanges extending from opposite sides of the base away fromsaid stem with end portions thereof extending toward each other todefine said elongated channel; and

d. the second support member has a generally T- shaped cross-sectionalconfiguration defining a stem and a cross-piece connected insubstantially perpendicular relationship to the stem, said stem beingadapted to be connected to the bound record elements, said cross-piecebeing disposed within said channel for sliding longitudinal movementwith respect thereto.

i t i k i

1. A device for removably supporting bound record elements on a pair ofspaced apart parallel rod elements of a filing structure which rodelements are positioned in a substantially horizontal plane comprising:a. a first elongated support member adapted to be mounted on theelements with one end supported by one rod element and the other endsupported by another rod element, said first support member including arecess in each end, each recess extending longitudinally inward of saidmember parallel to the longitudinal axis of said member to a point suchthat the distance separating the innermost end surfaces of said recessesis approximately equal to the distance separating said rod elements andsaid first support member is capable of being mounted on said rodelements by positioning the member substantially in the plane of the rodelements at an angle relative to said rods with the recesses adjacentthe rod elements and by turning the member in said plane to a positionin said plane perpendicular to said rod elements and which first supportmember includes an elongated open-ended channel positioned below the Rodelements; and b. a second elongated support member supporting the boundrecord elements and removably supported by said first support member,said second support member capable of being slidably placed in andremoved from the elongated channel of the first support member while thefirst member is supported by the spaced apart parallel rod elements,said second elongated support element includes a recess in each end,each of said last mentioned recesses extending generally longitudinallyinwardly toward the second support member, said last mentioned recessesbeing adapted to receive the rod elements whereby said second supportelement can be mounted on the rod elements in a direction extendingperpendicularly thereto independently of said first support member.
 2. apair of flanges extending from opposite sides of the base away from saidstem with end portions thereof extending toward each other to definesaid elongated channel; and d. the second support member has a generallyT-shaped cross-sectional configuration defining a stem and a cross-piececonnected in substantially perpendicular relationship to the stem, saidstem being adapted to be connected to the bound record elements, saidcross-piece being disposed within said channel for sliding longitudinalmovement with respect thereto.
 2. A device for removably supportingbound record elements on a pair of spaced apart parallel rod elements ofa filing structure which rod elements are positioned in a substantiallyhorizontal plane comprising: a. a first elongated support member adaptedto be mounted on the elements with one end supported by one rod elementand the other end supported by another rod element, said first supportmember including a recess in each end, each recess extendinglongitudinally inward of said member parallel to the longitudinal axisof said member to a point such that the distance separating theinnermost end surfaces of said recesses is approximately equal to thedistance separating said rod elements and said first support member iscapable of being mounted on said rod elements by positioning the membersubstantially in the plane of the rod elements at an angle relative tosaid rods with the recesses adjacent the rod elements and by turning themember in said plane to a position in said plane perpendicular to saidrod elements and which first support member includes an elongatedopen-ended channel positioned below the rod elements; and b. a secondelongated support member supporting the bound record elements andremovably supported by said first support member, said second supportmember capable of being slidably placed in and removed from theelongated channel of the first support member while the first member issupported by the spaced apart parallel rod elements; c. the firstsupport member includes a generally T-shaped cross-sectionalconfiguration defining a stem and a cross-piece connected insubstantially perpendicular relationship to the stem, said cross-piecehaving: